DISQUS

zionaetzion · 11 months ago

Relevant and clearly written points.

These are good things in place in an organization,

Thank you Chris for pointing the way to this article.

Jaye · 11 months ago

1. A good space. I live alone. Wanted my boyfriend to move in...but now I think not...maybe not a good idea... having your own space is good.

2. The right computer. Mac Book Pro Is a deep desire of mind I am saving for that my computer doesn't freeze, but always having to watch fr viruses and small pc system issues. Service pack 2 problems...you get my drift.

3. Solid partners. Youtube, make everything so personal. My article blaster and video blaster, my logo design program and a host of creative programs make it easy to be creative and have fun making my supporters have fun as well.

4. A Virtual Assistant. Now that is something to consider.

5. Flexibility is something I do OK with, but I can always do better.

7. Colleagues. I am building a network.

8. Joy loving what you do...that what I am all about. Living and Loving Your Life

Dad Brogan · 11 months ago

Great post. Like how daily life and "career" life can compliment each other.
As I continue to pursue my poker career I will keep those thoughts in mind.
Good guest post selection Chris.

Brody Dorland · 11 months ago

Wow...right on Julie. Thanks for posting Chris. I definitely need to look into a virtual assistant. My other crampons:

- My dog Stevie - Working from home is great, but water cooler conversations get a little one-sided. It's nice to have Steve around when I need a brain break.

- Tweetdeck (had to go there) - Twitter (my tweoples) has become such a great source of ideas and resources that make me better. I certainly have to be careful how much time I spend on it, but I don't feel that my time is being wasted.

- iTunes Genious - I remember when I used to make my own playlists...huh, weird. Without music, I would probably "burn this place down".

Cheers - @brodydorland

Ricardojc · 11 months ago

I tried having a virtual assistant from India but it didnt worked well as expected. My crampons that has transformed my life recently:
- my personal blog, ricardojc.wordpress.com
- my social media network, Twitterville @ricardojc, Facebook
- Victory Church
- Bible
- my 6 kids and lovely wife

vandy · 11 months ago

Great post. These are the sort of things I think about as the scaffolding on which my business life is built. They create structure and a solid framework - so essential, but also so easy to forget. When we get onto tram tracks we can so quickly start to take this sort of thing for granted. This post was an excellent way of flagging them up for a re-think.

I can relate to all of your 'crampons' - what a great analogy that it - and I have one more:
My family - who have had to be understanding when I'm up against a deadline, who take the time to make me a cup of coffee when they see I'm a little stretched, who are proud of what I do (and that on its own is enough to make me want to do more of it), who don't judge or criticise when I make a mistake. They reap some of the benefits of my way of working when the flexibility means I can spend some week day time on things that are important to them, but that's not the reason they do it.

Lets face it, when you set out to start a business or work as a freelance, the early years can bring some challenges. And we don't live in isolation so those around us effectively share in the risks. Their understanding and support makes it so much easier.

Now that you've made me think about this, I have decided this is a good opportunity to say thank you to all those people who do create my support systems. I was probably taking them for granted a little. Thanks for the reminder.

katbron · 11 months ago

Thanks for posting Chris. Several good ideas that I need to implement immediately. My wide open days quickly turn into complete disasters leaving me thinking "what the heck did I do today?"

Amie Nguyen · 11 months ago

I had no idea what a crampon was...but now that I do - I can relate. Crampons are vital to success, especially when you work independently.

This post (as with most of Julie's...and Chris's for that matter) provoke thought and action. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences Julie.

Pamela Miles · 11 months ago

Great post--thank you! All are great points, and I would add my spiritual/healing practices: Reiki, meditation, and yoga. They keep me flexible and present, cramponed to what is real--both the now and the forever--and connected to Joy.

Rosy Villa · 11 months ago

Great Post, Julie (Thank you, Chris) for sharing your insight!

A Maui Blog · 11 months ago

Perfect ideas - all these are crampons I need for my self. Only one thing to add: my kids- they are my inspiration that keeps me going.

A Maui Blog · 11 months ago

Oh Vandy Massey, I so very much agree with your comments.

Lynn · 11 months ago

This is a really helpful article. Thanks so much for it. It's amazing how long it takes to get all of these things in place. I have been in business for 2.5 years and I am still don't have all the crampons I think I need. So, I am learning - in business and in life - how important 1) patience, 2) forgiveness and 3) gratitude are as crampons as well. If I or someone I am working with are not going as fast or producing as much as I expect in my mind, it is key for me to step back, decompress a little, give a little space, and give thanks for all that I have and all that I've done so far.

Tina Hilton · 11 months ago

Having just recently left the state of Maine for the warmer climate of the south, I can totally relate to the crampons and ice analogy. Feeling your feet slip out from underneath you just once can easily convince you to purchase crampons. They become necessary for your safety if you ever want to leave the house. Why then are we so reluctant to do the same for our businesses? Too often we get by with a tiny, cramped space, an old computer and endless hours alone in front of the computer. Thanks Julie, your post reminds me that there are things that are necessary for me to have in order for my business to step ahead as well.
My latest crampon? Mobility- since I'm physically in the process of a relocation that has required a good deal of travel, the fact that I can conduct business where ever I am and when ever I need to keeps me moving forward.

Ria · 11 months ago

Great stuff, Julie!!! That Ani Difranco reminds me of another quote I keep on my bathroom mirror, "Be strong by bending."

Michele Miller · 11 months ago

Julie, what a terrific post. Not only did it give me some good ideas, it also reminded me of the tools I have all around me. Great! Thanks!

Lea Curtes-Swenson · 11 months ago

Julie, thanks for these insights. A thought-provoking post, complete with useful tips for business success!

Julie Roads · 11 months ago

Chris - we have something in common. We both have an incredible blog community that engages fully with fantastic comments. Thank you all for your feedback.

Some great 'crampons' are being added to the list: family and Twitter ring bells for me, in particular. I also left out something really important: the Me factor. You know, none of us could succeed without our own inherent fantastic-ness, gumption and verve.

Alisa Bowman · 11 months ago

Everyday I am more and more convinced that Julie and I are twins, separated at birth. I, too, am a recovering PC user turned MacBook lover. I, too, now love my virtual assistant. My office is in the biggest and nicest room of our house....

Other things that keep me sane:

* A light box: Let's face it. Most writers are prone to depression. I'm no exception. My box gets me through the NE winters. That and copious amounts of fish oil, vitamin D, coffee and sex (ok, the sex isn't really copious, but I like to think that it would be if I weren't a workaholic).

* Friends who make me feel good and love me even when I'm weepy. I periodically am guilty of emailing a few people and saying, "I'm washed up. I suck. I can't write anymore. No body loves me." These friends never write back, "You crazy excuse for a human being. Just check yourself into the state hospital already." No, without fail, they tell me, "Are you kidding me? Your blog is what gets me up in the morning. You are funny, beautiful, etc etcetc." They are my lifelines.

Alisa Bowman · 11 months ago

Oh, and along the "we're twins" lines, I also own crampons.

Michele Lamar · 11 months ago

thanks for the advice! your post has convinced me to:
1)buy the shoe thingys as i see them every winter and i don't buy them. i have a huge lab and walking him in any weather is a challenge, lol.
2)seriously consider a virtual assistant.
great post and nice to 'meet' you!

Shallie Bey · 11 months ago

I found this delightful post while scanning messages on twitter. In some way or another, we all need support to keep us from falling down. Thanks for sharing your list and thereby encouraging me to think about my list of who and what keeps me from falling down.

Julie Roads · 11 months ago

MIchele - I have 2 huge labs as well. The crampons are totally worth it for winter walks!

Alisa - Thanks for being one of those incredible friends to me...

Michele · 11 months ago

Wow, very inspiring Julie! I love the way you got this idea from your shoes. Congrats on the VA - and accomplishing your dream. Go, girl!

*smiles*
Michele

P.S. Coming from a Dell slower than you on that Sudoku puzzle. :-(

Meghan Harvey · 11 months ago

People like you Julie, who without even realizing it, become an endless source of inspiration and continually make me look around and say to myself, "Maybe I really CAN do this."

Julie Roads · 11 months ago

Meghan - your taking the time to comment and be real here is every bit as inspirational to me. Thank you...and I have NO doubt that you CAN do this. Go get 'em.

--Deb · 11 months ago

I love #8 ... because, if it's not fun, why aspire to it?

Michelle Minch · 11 months ago

Julie: You always manage to give me a kick in the behind to make things work better for myself. I have a big office with lots of storage although it is not as organized as it could be. Have to work on that. I have a nice warehouse which is VERY organized but could be even more so and I have a wonderful actual assistant (as opposed to virtual). I'm a little light on the web design help. I try to do too much by myself. I should bite the bullet and put a professional on it. Thanks for the nudge in that direction.

Michelle Minch · 11 months ago

Oh I forgot to add, one of my biggest "crampons" is my Pilates/body work instructor. He keeps me from falling down, literally, and keeps my spirits high. For me, feeling good physically is mandatory for feeling good mentally.

Julie Roads · 11 months ago

Michelle - such a great addition with the physical health. I second that...and have a great web designer for you - just let me know!

Maxi Malone · 11 months ago

Living in Fla there is no ice on the road, I'm retired and have a quiet home office in which to write, also, I love my new Dell XPS 420 - but your post made my day.

May Your Glass Always Be Half Full

Julie Roads · 11 months ago

Ha! Maxi - your comment just made mine!!! Long live your Dell!!!

Kristen · 9 months ago

Great posting! Makes me realize I need to organize my office area and stop working out of the livingroom!